San Marcos Middle schoolers tour Cal State San Marcos

SAN MARCOS - More than 300 San Marcos middle school students
scattered in groups across the Cal State San Marcos campus Friday
to get a glimpse of college life and learn how the Partnership for
Success program can help guarantee them a spot at the
university.

Students from Woodland Park, San Elijo and San Marcos middle
schools began gathering at the campus Wednesday and met in groups
of 20 with student ambassadors from the university to learn about
the partnership with San Marcos Unified School District. The
partnership guarantees admission to qualified seniors from the
district starting with the class of 2009.

"We are planting the seeds," said Aly Evans, manager of grants
and communications for the district, who is helping coordinate the
program. "We want the kids to start thinking about college and let
them know what is available to them up on this hill."

Evans said the district teamed up with the university's Early
Outreach Department for the tours and presentation entitled
"College, Making it Happen" in order to move the partnership
forward.

The Partnership for Success was launched in April by former San
Marcos Unified Superintendent Ed Brand. Following his resignation
in August, the program suffered some setbacks but interim
Superintendent Kevin Holt has said it will continue.

A $500,000 donation intended to help low-income students in the
program was withdrawn after Brand's resignation and district
officials have yet to name a coordinator for the program. The
district board decided in March not to fund the position.

Evans said despite the setbacks, officials are sorting out the
program details with the university and are expected to make
announcements about its progress early next year.

"Everyone is committed to this partnership," said Evans. "Both
the university and San Marcos Unified are fully behind making it
happen."

Following the tours of the university, the Early Outreach
Department and student ambassadors gave presentations on the cost,
benefits, academic resources and organizations at the
university.

Students were given information packets detailing the required
courses for college and other academic tips.

While giving a tour of some of the facilities to a group of
seventh-graders, Cal State San Marcos student ambassador Kevin
Egger said he enjoyed being bombarded with questions about
everything from books to classes.

"It's the idea of college that will be in their heads after
today," said Egger. "That's the most important thing."

Seventh-grader Laura Fonseca, who attends San Marcos Middle
School, said the field trip helped her get rid of the fear of
college and understand what she needs to do to get there.

"It's less scary now," said Laura, while touring the university
library. "College seemed so far away before, it just made things
clear."

Others, like seventh-grader Britta Bjork, said the tour
reinforced her plans to attend the university after high
school.

"It's a nice college," said Britta, who is interested in visual
and performing arts. "I like that you get to choose your classes
and have free time to do whatever you want."

Britta's friend, Marissa Haymore, said the tour and presentation
gave her a good first impression of college.

"It makes me want to come to college even more now," said
Marissa, who plans on being a veterinarian. "I like the
freedom."